Statement by Jay D. Doherty, President, City Club of Chicago
On the passing of Dr. Paul Michael Green, Chairman, City Club of Chicago
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The City Club of Chicago is shocked and saddened by last night’s passing of our beloved Chairman, Dr. Paul Michael Green. We will miss him for longer than we knew him.
Paul’s contributions to City Club have propelled it to become the premier public affairs forum for Chicago and Illinois. For more than 25 years, Paul served as a City Club Governor, either as Treasurer or, since 2011, as Chairman.
We are stunned that Paul, who officiated at a City Club Public Policy Forum as recently as Wednesday afternoon, at the peak of his game, and was sending emails about future programs yesterday, is suddenly gone.
We extend our condolences to Paul’s wife, Sharon, their daughter, Sarah, his entire family, and Paul’s innumerable friends around the block and indeed around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are as boundless as was Paul’s commitment to the free exchange of ideas in a forum of civility, respect and, always, good humor.
As a professor, Paul taught thousands. As a researcher, he will touch generations to come. As a commentator on radio and TV, he helped us understand political currents in the moment, with unerring accuracy. As the obligatory first stop for out-of-town journalists, he helped untold millions understand this city he loved. As an ambassador for Chicago on his many overseas speaking tours, he kindled interest in our region and connections that strengthened Chicago’s place in the world.
Paul made an indelible imprint on the City Club, its speakers and attendees. He moderated hundreds of forums in three decades. He showed intelligence, diligence and inclusion make better conversations, and those conversations enlighten the public as to the real issues that confront us all.
The City Club of Chicago will always be in Dr. Paul Michael Green’s debt, as are all citizens of our beloved city and state. We were lucky to call him, “Chairman.”
ARRANGEMENTS: A public memorial service will be scheduled.
